# Dots + Boxes vs Dots and Boxes

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Dots + Boxes at none against Dots and Boxes's 1. Dots + Boxes also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). Dots and Boxes's advantage is ratings volume (14K vs 2.4K). On price, rating, review sentiment and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dots and Boxes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Dots + Boxes asks for nothing beyond the download.

Dots and Boxes holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dots and Boxes has 14K ratings behind it against 2.4K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of Dots + Boxes's written reviews are positive against 81% of Dots and Boxes's.

Dots + Boxes ships an update every 2 months, Dots and Boxes every 5 months. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dots + Boxes | Dots and Boxes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (2.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-plus-boxes/id296312126/reviews) | **[4.6 (14K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-and-boxes-classic-games/id625311640/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2.4K | **14K** |
| Positive reviews | 76.5% of reviews | **81.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 49 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Optime Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/289278460) | [OutOfTheBit Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/286210012) |

## What reviewers say

### Dots + Boxes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-plus-boxes/id296312126)

Enjoy the classic pencil-and-paper game of Dots and Boxes on your mobile device. Challenge a friend or play against the AI in this simple yet engaging puzzle game. Track scores and enjoy customizable gameplay with fun graphics and sound.

**Highlights:** One and two-player modes, Play against AI, Demo mode, Configurable player names, Score tracking, Configurable AI difficulty, Undo function

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple, easy-to-use game
- 🕹️ Fun way to pass time
- 💡 Brings back nostalgic memories
- 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for playing with friends/family

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Lines don't always register correctly
- 🤖 Easy computer opponent
- 🔍 Hard to track computer's last move
- 📱 Small game board size

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on launch for some users
- Redirects to App Store unexpectedly

**Requested features**

- Larger game board sizes
- Harder difficulty levels
- Different color options for players
- Online/multiplayer mode


### Dots and Boxes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-and-boxes-classic-games/id625311640)

Connect dots to form squares and outscore your opponent in this classic strategy board game. Play solo against AI, challenge friends locally, or compete with players worldwide for a top spot on the global leaderboard. Enjoy hours of brain-training fun with customizable themes and multiple difficulty levels.

**Highlights:** Connect dots to form squares, Play solo against AI, Local and online multiplayer, Global high-score leaderboard, 3 difficulty levels, Collect Game Center achievements, Colorful themes

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dots and Boxes Premium | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and enjoyable gameplay
- 🕹️ Classic game with nostalgic appeal
- 💪 Challenging and mentally stimulating
- 🎨 Simple, clean, and intuitive design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Excessive advertisements
- 🤖 AI can be too easy or too difficult
- 🔍 Inaccurate touch controls
- 🔒 Multiplayer functionality issues

**Reported bugs**

- Game freezing or crashing
- Incorrect move registrations
- Multiplayer connection problems

**Requested features**

- Additional difficulty levels
- Customizable game board sizes
- Undo/reset functionality
- Improved multiplayer experience


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dots + Boxes free?

Dots + Boxes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Dots and Boxes free?

Dots and Boxes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Dots + Boxes or Dots and Boxes?

Dots and Boxes is rated higher. Dots + Boxes averages 4.4 out of 5 from 2.4K ratings, while Dots and Boxes averages 4.6 from 14K ratings.

### Do Dots + Boxes or Dots and Boxes have ads?

Dots and Boxes shows ads; Dots + Boxes does not.

### Which is updated more often, Dots + Boxes or Dots and Boxes?

Dots + Boxes ships an update every 2 months, and Dots and Boxes every 5 months. Most recently, Dots + Boxes was updated on October 17, 2026 and Dots and Boxes on October 17, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*